In the Hand of the Sovereign

 Devotion: “In the Hand of the Sovereign”

Proverbs 21:1 (ESV)
"The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will."

There are times in life when we feel powerless—times when the outcome depends on someone else’s decision, someone else's cooperation, or someone else's favor. It’s easy to fall into anxiety when the heart of another person seems to be the key to the breakthrough we’re seeking. But Proverbs 21:1 is a calming balm to our troubled hearts. God is not just the God of the individual believer’s soul—He is the Sovereign of every human heart, even of kings, presidents, employers, judges, or strangers. And if He can turn the heart of a king, He can turn anyone.

This truth became real to me in the most unexpected place: a family outing to an aquarium. My youngest daughter had waited patiently by a pool of stingrays, hoping to touch one. Child after child left disappointed as the stingrays avoided the edges. Her hope began to dim. In that moment, I recalled this verse from Proverbs and offered a quiet prayer, applying it in the simplest yet most heartfelt way. “Lord,” I prayed, “if the king’s heart is in Your hand, so is the heart of these stingrays. Please turn one toward my daughter.” It was a small request—yet not insignificant to the heart of a father.

What followed was not instant, but it was sure. One stingray turned, broke its pattern, and leapt near my daughter’s hand. Joy followed. God’s kindness was on full display in a moment that seemed too small to matter, yet it was not beneath Him. That stuffed stingray from the gift shop still sits as a testimony: God cares. He answers. He governs even the movements of His creation for the sake of His children.

Contemplation:

• Where in your life today do you feel powerless or at the mercy of someone else's decision?

• Can you surrender the outcome into the hands of a God who can turn hearts like streams of water?

• Do you believe God cares even about the small matters of your heart—those desires that seem too minor to pray for?

Prayer:
Sovereign Lord,
You are in control of all things—great and small. The hearts of kings and children, strangers and loved ones, are all in Your hand. Thank You for reminding me that nothing is outside of Your power, and no desire of mine is too insignificant for Your attention.
Today I give You the situations in my life where I feel helpless. I name them before You now. Turn hearts as You will. Open doors as only You can. And while I wait, give me joy and peace, knowing You are working in ways I cannot see.
Teach me to trust Your timing, to pray with faith, and to thank You before the answer even comes. Thank You for being a Father who delights in the details of my life. I rest in Your providence and rejoice in Your faithfulness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.